This fortress is located at Batu Maung Hill, south east of Penang Island. It was built in the 1930's by the British to protect the island from the invasion of enemies. This 20 acres site is located on a hill and you will be able to see the Straits of Melaka as well as the surrounding areas from here. The construction of this fortress was done by The British Royal Engineers and local labourers. This complicated fort has all the features of a typical defence facilities with underground military tunnels and ammunition bunkers. The ammunition storage is located 9 metres underground with thick stonewall to enable it to withstand enemy's fire.
Once completed, this fort was manned by the British, Sikh and Malay soldiers. During World War II, this fortress came under attacked and fell to the Japanese. It was then used as a Japanese army base where interrogation and torture of prisoners for information were conducted here. Being labelled as a place of horror due to the cruelty of war, this hill was deserted after the War in 1945. It was abandoned for years until it was being cleared off and turned into War Museum by Johari Shafie 30 years later.
As the area is quite big, plan to spend about 2 hours here as you will be walking and climbing the stairs that abound on this hill. Proper signages and information about the artifacts are clearly displayed here. As it can be quite humid and hot during the day, remember to bring along a cap to protect your head from the heat of the day. Wear a comfortable shoes and have insect repellant ready to ward off the mosquitoes as you move deeper into the hill.
No comments:
Post a Comment